Santa Ana announces first major zoning code update since the 1960s

Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua has announced a comprehensive update to the city’s Zoning Code, marking the first major overhaul of land-use regulations since the 1960s. The initiative aims to align the city’s zoning rules with the 2022 General Plan to better manage modern population density, economic shifts, and state-level housing and parking mandates.

Key objectives of the update include aligning regulations with economic development goals to attract investment and streamlining processes to remain competitive with neighboring Orange County cities. The plan seeks to direct growth toward specific corridors, such as South Bristol, 17th & Grand, the OC Streetcar route, South Main, and the Dyer/55 area.

Additionally, the update intends to protect established residential neighborhoods, preserve employment zones from being converted to housing, and strengthen environmental protections for residents living near legacy industrial sites. The Mayor emphasized that the update is designed to establish clear standards for property owners and developers to maintain local control over development rather than serving as a tool for eminent domain or forced closures.